The Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan to the Royal Kingdom of Norway

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Press release

The situation in South Sudan


The Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan in Oslo, Norway would like to take this opportunity to inform the International Community in general, the United Nations, the European Union and the Norwegian Government and the Troika countries (USA, Britain and Norway) and partners in particular and the Non-Governmental organizations working in South Sudan that, the rebel forces led by Dr. Riek Machar have violated the cessation of hostility agreement once again.
On numerous occasions Riek’s rebels have continued to violate the January 23°, ceasefire agreement and the cessation of hostility agreement he and the President of the Republic Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit signed on May 9th, and recommitted themselves to on June 901, 2004, with the hope that, negotiations under the leadership of the IGAD countries in Addis Ababa be given the chance to bring lasting peace and reconciliation to the people of South Sudan.
Over the weekend, the rebels tried unsuccessfully to capture Nasir town from the gallant government forces. They attacked the town without regard to the IGAD Monitors and Verification Team’s warning to the leadership of the rebel movement. The rebels were defeated and left a lot of young child soldiers dead on the battle field, this should serve as a wake-up call to those who have been taken for a ride by the charm of the rebel leader. The Government of the Republic under the able leadership of the democratically elected President extends its condolences to the families of those innocent lives lost during the fight in Nasir.
The leadership of the Rebel movement should be condemned in the strongest possible terms by all peace loving people in the world. We urge the UN, EU, AU and the Troika countries to step up the pressure on Riek to give the Addis Ababa negotiations a chance because it is the only best option for a peaceful resolution of the conflict in South Sudan.
The rebels are said to be massing the so called “White Army” a collection of young child soldiers between the ages of 14-16 around the town of Ayod in Jonglei State with the aim of attacking the town. The Embassy is therefore alerting the International Community to put maximum pressure on Riek to withdraw this ill trained “White Army” from around Ayod. We need these young men to be the future of South Sudan

The Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan in Oslo, Norway once again takes this opportunity reiterate the position of the Government and the people of South Sudan who are advocating for peace, reconciliation and development to move our young nation forward. We have lost so many during the liberation struggle and there is no need to loose other lives simply because Riek wants to be the President. The people of South Sudan will have the last word, when it comes to who should lead them, not those who wants to get to power through short cuts or through the barrel of the gun.

Lastly but not least, on behalf of the Government and the people of South Sudan, the Embassy takes this opportunity to convey to the sympathisers of the rebel movement that, Riek and his henchmen are misleading them to believing that he Riek is a democrat, the man is not and we urge you to convince him to go back to the negotiation table and save the lives of those innoccent children who are supposed to be in either in schools, farming or cattle camps helping theor parents

As we go to press, there is unconfirm reports coming from South Sudan, that the so calles “Wite Army” composed of Child Soldiers ranging from the ages of 14-16 once again, have attacked Ayod Town in Jonglei State in a clear violation of the cessation of hostilities agreement of May 9th, 2014, they were repulsed and left behind many dead from the ill trained shild soldiers, the “White Army” of Riek Machar.

July 23, 2014